Amid reports linking Neymar with Flamengo transfer, Santos chief provides update on Brazilian icon’s future at club

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has provided an update on the future of superstar forward Neymar amid links to Flamengo. The veteran Brazil international has been at his boyhood club since January, having joined them following a disappointing spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

Teixeira spoke with ESPN about the forward, pointing out that discussions are ongoing to resolve his future ahead of the new season. He stated that the primary goal of the transfer was to get the 33-year-old set for the FIFA World Cup next summer, pointing out that he remains a key player.

"Neymar's project is a project for next year's World Cup. The conversation has always been this. He could go anywhere and wanted to come to Santos, his home. Maybe we imagined taking advantage of it more in the first half of the year and we couldn't, but it's nobody's fault. He ends the season in a better way, he was decisive. Neymar's participation continues to be important, off the field and on it. The dialogue remains. We are evaluating the numbers and extending these values. I have a positive expectation that we will reach a common denominator for his permanence", he said (via GOAL).

Neymar signed an initial six-month deal with Santos after his contract with Al-Hilal was cancelled following an injury nightmare. He played for the Brazilian side in the first half of the year before opting to extend his stay until the end of the season.

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, he ended the season in sensational form despite injuring meniscus in the latter stages of the campaign. He scored five times and provided an assist in his final four games to help Santos beat the drop and qualify for the Copa Sudamericana. He is set to undergo a surgery to repair his injury, and will hold talks over his future.

Neymar close to agreement for Santos stay: Reports

Santos superstar Neymar is close to agreeing on an extended spell at his boyhood club, as per reports. The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward moved back to the Brazilian outfit in January, over a decade after he first left to join Barcelona.

According to ESPN, the representatives of the Brazil international have reached an initial agreement with Santos over a new deal. The 33-year-old will look to sign a six-month deal and remain with the Brazilian club until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Santos retained their top-flight status this term thanks in no small part to the contributions from their superstar. The forward ended the campaign with 12 goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen